The Siegmans landed Tuesday at Ben Gurion Airport alongside 11 other immigrants from North America, assisted by the nonprofit Nefesh B’Nefesh in coordination with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and Jewish National Fund-USA.
“Now more than ever, we choose Israel,” said Raziel Siegman. “Our decision to make Aliyah now is a statement—we are choosing life in the Land of Israel.”
The family is settling in Kiryat Gat, a city in southern Israel that has grown increasingly popular among new immigrants. “We were looking for a young community, good education and a family-oriented atmosphere,” said Aliza Siegman. “Kiryat Gat felt like the right fit for us, and we are excited to build our new life here.”
Raziel, a software engineer at Amazon, will join the company’s Tel Aviv office, working on artificial intelligence tools for Prime Video’s sports broadcasting. Aliza, who specialized in bioinformatics at New York University, said she hopes to join Israel’s biotechnology sector.
Despite the tense security climate following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and the ongoing war in Gaza, the Siegmans said they felt compelled to act.
“To stay in the U.S. out of fear is to let terror win,” said Raziel. “Making this move now is our way of standing up. No one will scare us away from living in Israel. Even if the road is difficult, this is our home.”
Minister Sofer welcomed the family, saying their arrival reflected the resilience and unity of the Jewish people.
“Even today, 77 years after the establishment of the state and during a particularly complex time, we continue to see Jews choosing to make Aliyah in the midst of war,” Sofer said. “Beyond its contribution to security, economy and society, Aliyah strengthens national solidarity and spirit.”
As part of a recent reform introduced by the ministry, the Siegman family will receive monthly rent assistance of 2,000 shekels (approximately $530), part of an expanded program supporting immigrants settling in designated priority regions such as the Negev, Galilee and West Bank.
Rabbi Fass said the Siegmans’ arrival carries symbolic weight.
“On this Independence Day, as we celebrate the strength and resilience of the State of Israel, the Siegman family's Aliyah takes on profound meaning,” he said. “They exemplify the living spirit of Zionism and inspire us all.”
Almog called their move “an Aliyah of the brave.”
“During these days of heavy challenges, Aliyah is an expression of unconditional love and hope,” said Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog. “The immigration of the Siegman family, along with many other Olim over the past year, is an Aliyah of the brave—people who choose to leave everything behind and build their lives here. On Yom HaAtzmaut, a day when the heart transitions from the pain of loss to gratitude for what exists, their choice to make Aliyah and rebuild here is the clearest proof of the victory of the Jewish spirit.”
For the Siegmans, the timing of their arrival—just ahead of Yom HaAtzmaut—adds emotional depth to the moment.
“Since Oct. 7, Israel has endured so much pain and loss,” said Raziel. “But Independence Day is a time to pause and recognize the enormous privilege of living here, after 2,000 years of exile. For us, to celebrate our first holiday in Israel as new immigrants is deeply powerful and incredibly special.”
